Boat cover - Online vs local custom

[87FourWinns190]

Hi all, I recently bought a new to me boat and it needs a new cover. I have found some pretty reasonable prices for covers online that are supposed to be an exact fit for the boat <$400 for one with a 7 year warranty.

Have many of you bought covers from the internet? I'm curious how "exact" they actually are, any input is appreciated. I haven't priced out any local shops yet, that is still on the list.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I have bought covers from both Great Lakes Boat Top company and Cowco inc (Dow Canvas). both make OEM covers, and for the boats that I bought them for, they are the suppliers to the boat.

Great Lakes lists products for your Four Winns

 

[hungupthespikes]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

Was the old cover OEM????

 

[87FourWinns190]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

This would be for a 2001 Supra Sunsport 22ft inboard. Not sure what the old cover was, but it was destroyed. Supposedly they are made specifically for it.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I bought a Taylor Made exact fit cover for my Stingray, and it fits perfectly. Trailered the boat 1000 miles from NY to SC on the interstate this winter using it, and it didn't flap around or anything crazy. Good purchase.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

You might have a hard time finding an exact fit/custom cover for a '87 boat online. Newer boats yes, older boats not so much.

This is a touchy subject for me cuz I'm in the canvas business. I use Sunbrella material sewn with Tenara aka Gore Tex thread to make a cover that fits like a glove. Reinforced anywhere it might chafe on a sharp edge, over cleats, lights, windshield, etc. The material is guaranteed for 10 yrs & the thread is guaranteed for the life of the material.

I have a 'model' bimini top that now sits on the bed of my pickup in front of the shop. Pacific Blue Sunbrella, Tenara thread. It's going on 15 yrs old, sat atop the fence across the street at my old shop 24/7 for 14 yrs. Try that with a something bought online.

Who provides 'customer service', if any, after buying a cover on line? Guess who ... ME! I cain't tell ya how often somebody shows up at my shop wanting me to make their cheap, semi-custom cover actually fit their boat. Screw them. I charge accordingly.

It's your money, buy what you want. Just don't bring it to me'n ask me to make it fit.

 

[87FourWinns190]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

You might have a hard time finding an exact fit/custom cover for a '87 boat online. Newer boats yes, older boats not so much.

This is a touchy subject for me cuz I'm in the canvas business. I use Sunbrella material sewn with Tenara aka Gore Tex thread to make a cover that fits like a glove. Reinforced anywhere it might chafe on a sharp edge, over cleats, lights, windshield, etc. The material is guaranteed for 10 yrs & the thread is guaranteed for the life of the material.

I have a 'model' bimini top that now sits on the bed of my pickup in front of the shop. Pacific Blue Sunbrella, Tenara thread. It's going on 15 yrs old, sat atop the fence across the street at my old shop 24/7 for 14 yrs. Try that with a something bought online.

Who provides 'customer service', if any, after buying a cover on line? Guess who ... ME! I cain't tell ya how often somebody shows up at my shop wanting me to make their cheap, semi-custom cover actually fit their boat. Screw them. I charge accordingly.

It's your money, buy what you want. Just don't bring it to me'n ask me to make it fit.

Yes, I have seen this first hand with a friend that bought a cover online. They have spent a significant amount of money trying to make it fit correctly and not pool with water when it rains. This is why I was curious with others experiences. My 87 is long gone, I'm looking at this for a 2001 supra

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I would have a custom one made if you really like your boat. 2001 is fairly old so even if the manufacturer did have a cover made for it by someone like Dowco(crummy covers anyway), they don't likely make them anymore.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

2001 is fairly old

You wouldn't think 2001 so old but it's true. Regarding canvas/covers. Manufacturers are constantly changing things, so what fits one year might not fit the next. Far as cushions go you'd be lucky to find a factory replacement for any boat more than a few years old. And even if you did it'd cost at least what I would charge to remake it?

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I bought a cover from iboats many years ago during one the big sales, and it has been great. I only use it during the winter when the bimini is off, in summer I use the factory snap on. The iboats cover covers a lot more boat but won't fit with the bimini. They have a ton of choices for sizing and I got one that was pretty close.

I bought a jet ski cover off ebay that was supposed to be custom. It fit OK but didn't even last 1 year in the sun.

 

[V153]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I bought a jet ski cover off ebay that was supposed to be custom. It fit OK but didn't even last 1 year in the sun.

Ya there's no shortage of substandard material to be had. Against my will I did a job a few years back for a woman using her material. Now it's turned to crap. And this is my fault?

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Boat cover - Online vs local custom

I find that custom built one's are the way to go if you want it to last a long time and do what it's supposed to do. Looks better, functions better, and sells better. Heck a $50.00 trap can work if you don't care about how it looks or functions. Everyone's needs are different, and so are the boats they own.